How a trainer initiative could beat the engineering ski...
It’s no big secret that there’s been an ever growing skills gap in the engineering sector for some years. Today employers are finding it even more difficult to recruit and an ageing workforce is beginning to create an extra challenge for them. But the introduction of a new training package... Read More
Training initiative to help businesses boost skills
A new package for those wanting to deliver training in the workplace or classroom is being launched by Learning Unlimited to help businesses boost the skills of their workforce in a completely different way. With... Read More
Join us at the National Apprenticeship Awards
Will you be joining us for the National Apprenticeship Awards on 22 November? The evening of glitz and glamour at Pond’s Forge in Sheffield sets out to celebrate national apprenticeships and recognise the hard work, dedication and commitment made by organisations over the past year. The shortlist has been completed... Read More
Higher apprenticeship leads to promotion for James
After leaving school at 18, James Bateman, never dreamed he'd see the day when he would be graduating. But now he's not only graduated with a higher apprenticeship in leadership and management, but has seen his career grow and develop due to his studies. Read More
Danielle’s new qualification has helped her progress in...
After completing her own apprenticeship, it's only fitting that Danielle Jones is now helping others follow their dream career. Danielle Jones at her graduation ceremony The 22-year-old graduated from a Level 4... Read More
Event to offer advice for apprentices
Ever wondered what an apprenticeship... Read More
Corey scoops accolade in Food and Drinks Awards
Many congratulations to cookery apprentice, Corey Elliott, who won the title of Apprentice of the Year in the Chesterfield Food and Drinks Awards last night! Corey was among a list of esteemed apprentices, employees and employers who received special recognition at the... Read More
Graduation ceremony celebrates success of higher appren...
Higher apprentices celebrated their achievements during a special graduation ceremony in Chesterfield, watched on by family and friends. The event saw learners receive their university level qualifications gained with Learning Unlimited, part of... Read More
Event to raise awareness of engineering opportunities
Learning Unlimited will be joining a prestigious list of internationally known organisations exhibiting at The Apprentice Engineer Show on Wednesday (31 October) at the Roundhouse in Derby. The Derby team will be joining the line-up that include the likes of Rolls-Royce, Jaguar Land Rover, JCB, Toyota, Network Rail, and The... Read More
Cookery apprentice gets a taste for success
Cookery apprentice, Corey Elliott, is getting a taste for success now he’s made it through to the finals for the Apprentice of the Year title in the Chesterfield Food and Drinks Awards. The 18-year-old, who works at The Lilypad Café and Restaurant... Read More
Countdown to National Apprenticeship Awards
The countdown has begun for the 2018 Learning Unlimited National Apprenticeship Awards, which is being held at Sheffield’s Ponds Forge next month. Apprentices and employers from across the country will join together for the celebration that will recognise hard work, dedication and commitment by individuals and companies. Winners will be... Read More
Event to open up opportunities for apprentices
A free advice evening at Chesterfield College on Wednesday 24 October aims to dispel the myths around apprenticeships and unveil the hundreds of local opportunities out there. Learning Unlimited’s team will be on hand at the college on Infirmary Road for the Apprentice Advice Evening between 5.30pm and 7.30pm to... Read More
Woodhead Group Scoop Employer of the Month
Nottinghamshire construction and development company, Woodhead Group, has scooped Learning Unlimited’s Employer of the Month award for its commitment to supporting young talent. The family-owned company that operates across the East Midlands and South Yorkshire, earned the title after demonstrating consistent dedication to developing its workforce through apprenticeships. That strong commitment... Read More
How to take your staff to the next level: Leadership an...
Leah Shortt, Operations Manager at Learning Unlimited highlights and provides advice on how leadership and management apprenticeships could take your organisation to the next level, by developing staff and taking them to Chartered Management status. Developing the right calibre of managers to... Read More
Commitment to apprenticeships earns Alphaweld the title...
Fabrication and welding specialist, Alphaweld has shown a long standing commitment to developing the next generation through apprenticeships. This has earned them the title of Learning Unlimited’s Employer of the Month for August. The company, based in rural Derbyshire, have a 30 year history of developing people with the right... Read More
Read Roper and Read Solicitors embrace apprenticeships
Read Roper and Read, a law firm in Manchester, has recently been awarded Learning Unlimited’s Employer of the Month for the way that they have embraced apprenticeships and offer fantastic progression opportunities as well as for their approach to rewarding apprentices. The company took... Read More
Apprentice helps school to beat fundraising target
In a fitting way to end her Level 2 Business Administration apprenticeship at Blackwell Community Primary and Nursery School, Amy Flint, organised a summer fair which helped the Derbyshire school beat all previous fundraising targets at the same time as helping them on their way to the Food for... Read More
Apprentice vacancies at Chesterfield development
Four aspiring tradespeople could soon commence their construction careers as triple HBF 5 star housebuilder, William Davis Homes announces vacancies at its Skylarks development in Chesterfield. Young people aged 16 and over from Chesterfield and the neighbouring area are encouraged to apply for the trade apprenticeships currently available with William... Read More
David Nieper Academy named as Employer of the Month for...
The David Nieper Academy, in Alfreton, Derbyshire, has embraced apprenticeships to develop their school team. This approach has earned them the title of Learning Unlimited’s Employer of the Month for June. The school works in partnership with Learning Unlimited to highlight apprenticeship opportunities to students and also has five teaching... Read More
The talent pool just got bigger. Have you considered ho...
It is that time of year when thousands of school and university leavers are breathing a sigh of relief now their exams are over and their final coursework is complete, but they barely get time to enjoy their new found freedom before considering what’s next. As an employer, this... Read More
Outstanding employers and apprentices bring home awards
Outstanding employers and apprentices were given special recognition as part of the Chesterfield College Group Celebration of Achievement Awards ceremony. The event, held at the Proact Stadium and hosted by Peak FM’s breakfast show presenters Ricky Durkin and Becky Hayes, recognised the personal and academic achievements of students at all... Read More
Bramble Lodge’s commitment to training and developing s...
Bramble Lodge Residential Care Home, near Ilkeston in Derbyshire, has been named as our Employer of the Month for May. Their commitment to training and developing staff and the way they work in partnership with Learning Unlimited is exemplary and has benefited the business, the staff and the residents... Read More
20% off the job training: how to make the most of it.
In 2015 the Government set out that it was mandatory for 20% of any apprenticeship to include off-the-job training to help ensure quality. Without it, apprentices can’t successfully complete their qualification and employers could fall foul of funding rules. It is vital that employers and apprentices understand how to... Read More
The Levy: Love it or loathe it, you can navigate it.
It’s been a year since the Government introduced the Apprenticeship Levy in a bid to tackle skills shortages and boost apprenticeship numbers. Leah Shortt, Operations Manager from Learning Unlimited takes a look at how the apprenticeship landscape has changed since its introduction and shares how employers can make the most... Read More
Sherwood Electronics named Employer of the Month for Ap...
Sherwood Electronics Ltd, leading supplier and manufacturer of standard and bespoke cable assemblies, based in Long Eaton, Nottinghamshire has been named as our Employer of the Month for April. The company has a track record of embracing apprenticeships and developing staff to fit strategically with the growth of the company.... Read More
Wilson Howe named as Learning Unlimited Employer of the...
Wilson Howe Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors are a small business with big plans and their apprentices are an integral part of their growth strategy. They see apprentices as an investment for the future and they are really looking after that investment. It is the way they nurture their... Read More
The truth about apprenticeships
Thinking of studying an apprenticeship? Don’t let the myths put you off. Before you make that all important decision about your next steps, we’ve put together some of the misconceptions surrounding apprenticeships to put the record straight. An apprenticeship isn’t a real job An apprenticeship is on the job training... Read More
Ashgate Hospicecare named as Employer of the Month
Ashgate Hospicecare has been named as Learning Unlimited’s Employer of the Month. The organisation, based in Chesterfield, was recognised for demonstrating a huge commitment to developing apprentices and giving them the skills for a successful future career. Working with Learning Unlimited, the organisation ensures that apprentices have a meaningful and... Read More
Apprenticeships will be in the hotseat during National...
To coincide with National Apprenticeship Week we will be broadcasting a live 30 minute programme on 8th March at 11am to give school pupils, teachers and parents the chance to find out everything there is to know about how apprenticeships work. Our expert panel of apprentices, employers and staff from Learning... Read More
Cullum Detuners named as Employer of the Month
Specialist engineering company Cullum Detuners were named as Employer of the Month recently after being recognised for their passion, commitment and supportive approach to developing young people through apprenticeships. Nas Anwar, HR Assistant at Cullum Detuners told us why apprenticeships are so important to them. She said: “We see apprenticeships as... Read More
Fox’s Biscuits see English as key ingredient to success
11 members of staff at Fox’s Biscuits production facility in Batley have undergone an ESOL course (English for Speakers of Other Languages) through Learning Unlimited leading to boosted staff morale and potential progression through the business. More courses are now planned to run as the business makes a big... Read More
Higher Apprentices celebrate their graduation
Higher Apprentices celebrated achieving university level qualifications when they attended Chesterfield College group graduation ceremony at Casa Hotel in Chesterfield last week. Family and friends joined the graduates at the celebration along with representatives from awarding body universities including Staffordshire University, Sheffield Hallam University and University of Derby. Read More
Apprentice shortlisted in Derbyshire Times Business Awa...
Former apprentice now full time employee at Glapwell Engineering Services Ltd, Joe Oakes, has been shortlisted for Apprentice of the Year in the Derbyshire Times Business Awards taking place this evening at the Casa Hotel in Chesterfield. Joe was nominated because of the outstanding commitment he showed during his apprenticeship... Read More
A Rock Construction recognised for their commitment to...
A Rock Construction Ltd have been crowned Employer of the Month for September 2017. The construction company, based in Chesterfield, specialise in design, build and property maintenance. They were recognised for their dedication and commitment to providing numerous opportunities for their apprentices. HR and Training Project Manager, Joyce Miles said:... Read More
Apprentices pass with flying colours at Derbyshire Cons...
Apprentices at Derbyshire Constabulary celebrate great start to their career Eleven talented young people are celebrating after completing their apprenticeships with Derbyshire Constabulary. A special ceremony was held at the force’s headquarters in Ripley last week where... Read More
Sulzer named as first Learning Unlimited Employer of th...
Electrical engineering company, Sulzer is the first to be named as our Employer of the month in an initative which is designed to reward organisations which show a high level of commitment to the apprenticeship model and go above and beyond to get the most out of their apprentices... Read More
Celebrating award-winning engineering talent with Tarma...
Major local employer Tarmac is marking its long-standing partnership with the Chesterfield College Group by celebrating more award-winning talent at the company, through the success of 20-year-old Apprentice Molly Bardwell, who has just been chosen as the College’s ‘Student of the Year’. Molly’s ‘determination to succeed in her academic and... Read More
Working with…Smith of Derby
We speak with Tony Charlesworth, Sales Manager at Smith of Derby, a clockmakers based in Derby. Smith are utilising apprenticeships to give the next generation of clockmakers the skills to drive the business forward for years to come. Read More
Interested in teaching? Come to our Train to Teach show...
Our Train to Teach showcase event is the perfect opportunity to learn more about our high quality teaching programmes. From early years to adult education and even work-based training, we have a huge range of teaching qualifications for you to choose... Read More
Rayburn Tours think apprentices are the perfect fit
Derby based Rayburn Tours provide superb value Educational Trips, School Ski Trips, Sports and Concert Tours, abroad and in the UK for Schools, Youth & Music Groups. With apprentices embedded firmly in their day to day productivity we decided to... Read More
Exciting opportunity for budding chefs to work across t...
The Duke and Duchess of Devonshire’s estate, which includes the famous local attraction of Chatsworth, is offering seven fantastic apprenticeships, to young people with a passion for food and a desire to train as chefs. The successful apprentices will get the opportunity to work across the Devonshire Group’s three acclaimed... Read More
Traineeships on offer with Derby County Community Trust
The Chesterfield College Group and Derby County Community Trust are looking for unemployed young people with a passion for carving a career in sports coaching and development to join their traineeship scheme at the Derby County ground. The traineeship offers... Read More
A chance to shine at the National Apprenticeship Awards
If you’ve got an inspirational story to tell about the success apprenticeships have brought you, the National Apprenticeship Awards could be the perfect way to get some recognition for them. The 2017 awards are now open for nominations. The judges are looking for employers and apprentices who have shown an... Read More
Employers are invited to shape the skills of the next g...
Employers and key stakeholders from across the health, leisure, education and public service sectors will gather together on 16th May to help shape and influence the skills Chesterfield College Group will deliver to the workforce of the future. The event allows employers and key stakeholders to highlight which skills are... Read More
Learning Unlimited seeks training providers for nationa...
Learning Unlimited, part of the Chesterfield College Group, is currently seeking training providers to join a preferred supplier list for the delivery of apprenticeship training where it cannot be delivered in-house. Read More
Awards ceremony celebrates apprenticeships in Derbyshir...
Apprentices and employers from across Derbyshire were recognised for excellence at Learning Unlimited’s awards ceremony held at Pride Park in Derby last night. There were 30 shortlisted apprentices and employers across the 11 categories of awards. The award categories were designed to celebrate the dedication and drive of apprentices at... Read More
Survey reveals parent power can unlock the potential of...
Learning Unlimited say parents could hold the power to help their children make the right career and study choices. They have pledged to help them get the right information after the findings of their survey highlighted that misconceptions about modern apprenticeships could mean young people aren’t getting the right... Read More
Chesterfield College Group welcomes new Principal and C...
Julie Richards, Deputy Principal of Chesterfield College, commences in her new role as Principal and Chief Executive of The Chesterfield College Group, which includes Learning Unlimited, today. Julie, who was born and has lived in Chesterfield her entire life, has worked in Further Education for almost 30 years. She has... Read More
Apprenticeship Service launched for levy paying employe...
In preparation for the launch of the apprenticeship levy on 6 April this year, we are encouraging all of our levy-paying employers to register for the online Apprenticeship Service. This is a useful tool that will enable you to manage the finances of your apprenticeship programme under the new... Read More
Kingswood offer traineeships and apprenticeships for un...
Outdoor learning specialist, Kingswood, is working with Learning Unlimited to offer up to 100 unemployed people a short course designed to give them the skills they need to start an apprenticeship in outdoor education. The recruits, who should be passionate about the great outdoors, will get essential work experience... Read More
More Derby office open evening dates announced!
Our Derby office have been really busy at the last two open evenings so we've decided to put some more on for anyone looking to find out more about becoming an apprentice or taking an apprentice on. Tuesday 21st March 2017 5.30pm – 8.00pm Tuesday 9th May 2017 5.30pm –... Read More
Working with..Fieldings Porter Solicitors
Our Manchester team have been working closely with Bolton based Fieldings Porter Solicitors to provide a number of business admin apprentices to support the business. Here's what Peter, one of the firm's partners has to say about the whole experience. Read More
Boosting English skills for staff gives Kerry Foods une...
When bosses at Burton based Kerry Foods offered their multi-ethnic workforce the chance to improve their English skills they knew it would help with productivity, communications and team work but, what they didn’t expect was the boost to morale it provided along with opportunities for succession planning and promotion. Staff... Read More
Derby office to hold Open Evening on the 10th January
Our Derby office is holding an Open Evening on Tuesday 10th January, 5.30-8pm (directions here) Guests are welcome to drop in at any stage of the evening but informative presentations on apprenticeships are to be held at 6pm and 7pm. In addition to finding... Read More
Apprentices bring WorldSkills UK medals back to Derbysh...
Talented automotive repair and refinishing apprentices and an engineering apprentice studying with Learning Unlimited, part of the Chesterfield College group, have brought two gold and one silver medal back to Derbyshire after competing in Worldskills UK during the Skills Show at Birmingham’s NEC last week. After qualifying in regional heats,... Read More
Automotive apprentices ready to compete at WorldSkills...
Later this week three talented automotive apprentices from Chesterfield College will be heading to Birmingham to compete in the auto-refinishing and repair categories of Worldskills UK at the NEC. Automotive Body Repair apprentices Harry Devine and Shawn Dyson and Automotive Refinishing apprentice Mike Massey will take part in the annual... Read More
Engineering apprentice all set for WorldSkills UK compe...
Sam Sibert, CNC machinist and higher level apprentice at BG Engineering in Chesterfield, is one of four finalists selected from across the country to compete against the best of the best students and apprentices from across the UK in the high profile WorldSkills UK competition taking place in Birmingham... Read More
A night of winners at the Chesterfield Food and Drink A...
What a night at the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards last week! Not only was it a very inspiring evening full of impressive businesses setting a very high standard in catering and hospitality but we had not 1, not 2, but... Read More
Take advantage of fully funded training before April 20...
The Employer Engagement Team at Learning Unlimited are urging employers to take a look at their skill gaps to identify how they might be able to take advantage of the free training for staff before the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy next April. Apprenticeships will no longer be fully funded by... Read More
Chief Constable welcomes 11 new apprentices to Derbyshi...
Chief Constable of Derbyshire Constabulary, Mick Creedon welcomed 11 new apprentices to the organisation this week. The talented 16-19 year olds will be kick-starting their careers by carrying out business and administration roles in a range of departments supporting the work of the police force from crime support to human... Read More
Open Evening at our Derby centre, Tues 01 Nov, 5.30-8pm
Come and speak to our advisors at the Learning Unlimited centre in Derby, located on Pride Park. We have 100s of apprenticeship vacancies across Derbyshire. Take a tour of our state-of-the-art training facility Get free careers advice Find out how you... Read More
Apprentice shortlisted as trainee of the year in presti...
Talented apprentice, Greg Kasowicz is celebrating after being told he has been shortlisted as trainee of the year in the prestigious British Woodworking Federation (BWF) Awards. Bosses at Derbyshire based Gowercroft Joinery nominated him after the work he did led to massive business benefits for them. Greg’s role in revolutionising... Read More
Megan’s commitment to a career in childcare makes her a...
Megan Cameron battled against the school bullies and difficult personal circumstances to make sure she got the training and skills she needed for her dream job in childcare. Her hard work and determination meant she was awarded as Apprentice of the Year at Chesterfield College’s annual Celebration of Achievement. Megan’s... Read More
Upcoming Open Events
Open days at Learning Unlimited Derby, Unit 15-21, Royal Scot Road, Derby, DE24 8AJ: Wednesday 29th June Tuesday 12th July Monday 15th August Come along and find out about what an apprenticeship or traineeship involves, speak with tutors, current apprentices and advisors who can let you know what vacancies are available... Read More
The hunt is on to find 13 apprentices to join Derbyshir...
The hunt is on to find 13 apprentices to join Derbyshire Constabulary in administration and IT roles across different departments of the Force. Working with Learning Unlimited, Derbyshire Constabulary are searching for candidates who want to kick-start their career with the organisation. The apprenticeship positions are based across many departments of the... Read More
NHS trust offers 10 traineeship opportunities for unemp...
Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust is working with Learning Unlimited to offer an exciting opportunity for 10 unemployed 18-24 year olds to get essential work experience and develop key employability skills through a traineeship programme that starts at the end of February in the Chesterfield area. Both organisations... Read More
Preparing for the Apprenticeship Levy
We’ve recently forged a new partnership with Employee Management Limited which provides HR, Employment Law and H&S support to businesses in the North West. They also work with clients across the UK and beyond, ranging in size from owner-managed businesses to national, multi-site organisations. EML have written a great blog... Read More
Chloe is cooking up a promising career with an apprenti...
Chloe Perrin is 16 years old and is just 9 months into a 14 month food production and cooking apprenticeship at the prestigious Peak Edge Hotel at Stonedge in Derbyshire. She has already made a big impact and is planning a bright future based on what she has learnt... Read More
Apprenticeships are vital to success for precision engi...
For one Derbyshire company, apprenticeships are nothing new but they claim they are vital to their success in the precision engineering market. It’s not surprising then that Slack and Parr have invested heavily in apprenticeships for the last 50 years and plan to carry on. They take on up to... Read More
Careers Fair – Are you looking for a new challeng...
11th February, 4-7pm Chesterfield College, Infirmary Road campus, S41 7NG Learning Unlimited, part of the Chesterfield College Group, is currently looking to meet a range of talented people looking to secure roles as Work-Based Tutors, Business Advisors, Recruitment Advisors and Sales Advisors. Learning Unlimited is the employer engagement arm of the College,... Read More
Traineeships help local engineering firm to find local...
Finding a talented workforce is always a challenge for companies with specialist skill requirements but one local engineering firm from Derby thinks it has found the right formula to help maintain their worldwide reputation. Working with Learning Unlimited, Aerodyn used the traineeship programme to find local talent to become... Read More
Apprenticeships celebrated for helping to deliver quali...
In a special celebration at Learning Unlimited, 64 apprentices working with Heathcotes Care were recognised for their hard work and commitment to training and successfully completing their apprenticeships. The event marked the achievements of learners at all levels including the first higher level health and social care apprentices who... Read More